Consent and Sexual Violence

Consent is the voluntary agreement to engage in specific sexual activity or behaviour. This requires that a person is able to freely articulate a choice, which includes the possibility of refusal. This means that there must be an understandable and ongoing exchange of affirmative words or conduct, which indicates a willingness to participate in mutually agreed upon sexual activity.

Consent does not include sexual activity in the following circumstances:

If a person is silent, not communicative or unable to communicate;

If a person is asleep, unconscious or incapacitated;

If a person has been threatened or coerced (i.e. is not agreeing voluntarily) into engaging in the sexual activity;

If a person is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs;

If a person withdraws Consent at any time before or during the course of a sexual encounter.

The fact that consent was given in the past does not mean that consent is deemed to exist for present and future sexual activity.

Any action carried out without consent, whether physical or psychological, through sexual means or by targeting sexuality, is sexual violence. This includes all forms of sexual contact, sexual humiliation, sexual exploitation, degrading sexual imagery, sexting, cyber harassment, indecent or sexualized exposure via electronic or social media or otherwise, sexual harassment, sexual discrimination, stalking, and sexual assault.

Reporting Sexual Violence

An allegation of sexual violence can be made by any person, regardless of if they are the survivor of the sexual violence or not.

All reports should be filed with the Dean of Students as soon as possible after the alleged sexual violence occurs. These must be made in writing.

The Dean of Students will respond within 3-5 business days of becoming aware of the allegation and will handle the matter in accordance with Concordia University of Edmonton’s Sexual Violence Policy and Sexual Violence Policy Procedure. They will immediately refer the person issuing the allegation to the police and/or other appropriate support services.